Sienna Biopharmaceuticals Announces Late-Breaking Oral Presentation of Phase 2b Trial Results of its Topical, Non-Steroidal TrkA Inhibitor SNA-120 (0.05%) at 24th World Congress of Dermatology


-- Phase 2b Trial Results Demonstrated SNA-120 Had Significant Impact on Psoriasis and Was Well-Tolerated

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNNA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the results of its recent Phase 2b clinical trial with SNA-120 (pegcantratinib), the Company’s Phase 3 topical, non-steroidal Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of psoriasis, will be presented as a late-breaker at the World Congress of Dermatology 2019 Scientific Sessions in Milan.

TrkA is the high-affinity receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF). SNA-120 selectively targets the NGF-TrkA signaling pathway, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and pruritus (itch). SNA-120 was developed using Sienna’s proprietary tissue-targeted technology platform, which yields new chemical entities (NCEs) designed to deliver high local drug concentration in the target tissue with minimal to no systemic exposure for patients. Sienna continues to work towards first patient enrollment in its Phase 3 program with SNA-120 in the second half of 2019. 

The late breaking oral presentation, “SNA-120, A Novel Topical Non-steroidal Therapy for Psoriasis and Associated Pruritus that Targets the NGF/TrkA Pathway: Results from a Multicenter Phase 2b Study,” will be delivered by Paul F. Lizzul, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, in the Session ‘Late Breaking News,’ scheduled for 8:00-10:45 a.m. CET on June 15, 2019, in Room Yellow 3.

About SNA-120 Phase 2b Trial Results

SNA-120 (0.05%) demonstrated in a Phase 2b clinical trial statistically significant improvement compared to vehicle on important pre-specified endpoints of psoriasis disease severity, including the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) 2-grade composite, comprising a 2-grade improvement from baseline and clear (0) or almost clear (1) skin, which has been the Phase 3 primary endpoint for topical psoriasis drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, 29% of patients achieved success on the IGA 2-grade composite, compared to 13% of subjects treated with vehicle. Similarly, 27% of subjects also experienced a 75% reduction from baseline in their Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score (PASI 75), compared to 13% of subjects treated with vehicle. Subjects also experienced an approximately 60% reduction from baseline in the associated pruritus, although the pruritus result did not reach statistical significance compared to vehicle. SNA-120 was well-tolerated with no serious treatment-related adverse events. Treatment-related adverse events were observed in two patients and included dermatitis (0.5% group) and pain and pruritus (vehicle group). SNA-120 has been administered to more than 500 subjects for up to 12 weeks and has been well tolerated across all trials, with minimal to no demonstrated systemic bioavailability.

As part of the Phase 2 trial, biopsy analyses were conducted at Rockefeller University on 22 subjects, and included Immunohistochemistry (IHC), MicroArray and quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). These data showed SNA-120 affects key inflammatory cytokines involved in psoriasis, including IL-23, IL-12, IL-17A and IFNg, among others, and continue to support the mechanism of action of SNA-120 and the unique contribution of neurogenic inflammation to psoriasis pathogenesis.

Following a positive End-of-Phase 2 (EOP2) meeting with the FDA in April 2019, Sienna is progressing towards enrollment of the first patient in its Phase 3 program with SNA-120 for psoriasis in the second half of 2019.

About Sienna Biopharmaceuticals

Sienna Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on bringing unconventional scientific innovations to patients whose lives remain burdened by their disease. We draw upon our deep knowledge and experience in drug development across multiple therapeutic areas as we build a unique, diversified, multi-asset portfolio of therapies in immunology and inflammation that target select pathways in specific tissues, with our initial focus on one of the most important ‘immune’ tissues, the skin. We are leading the way with our novel proprietary technology platform, applying a scientific design process to create potent targeted pharmacologically active molecules that are directed toward a specific target tissue and a select disease pathway, and with minimal to no systemic exposure.  At Sienna, we are going where it still matters for patients.

For more information, visit the Company’s website at www.SiennaBio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding Sienna’s SNA-120 Phase 2b data and the progress and timing of Sienna’s SNA-120 development, including anticipated enrollment in the Phase 3 program for SNA-120. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Sienna’s clinical development programs, future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the pharmaceutical drug and medical device development processes, including regulatory approval processes, the timing of regulatory filings, the challenges associated with manufacturing pharmaceutical drug and medical device products, Sienna’s ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its development programs, and other matters that could affect the sufficiency of existing cash to fund operations and the availability or commercial potential of Sienna’s drug candidates. Sienna undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Sienna in general, see Sienna’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent current and periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

Media
Caroline Van Hove
cvanhove@siennabio.com
818-575-6250

Investors
Sean Andrews
sandrews@siennabio.com
818-629-2244